Ms Elizabeth Cassar Councillor – Cultural & Social Activities Marsaskala Local Council
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MARSASKALA LOCAL COUNCIL EVENTS 2014
MALTA 2015
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Published by the author
Š E. Cassar 2015
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted to any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the previous permission of the publisher and author.
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CONTENTS • • • • • • • •
Party for the less fortunate children Elderly - Marsaskala Local Council - 11th January 2014 Programme of the Performance -Presented by Zhangjiajie Artistic Troupe, 20th January 2014 Tal-Maghluq Cleanup – 22nd February 2014 Pasta Night for the Mission in Peru SALTNATU - Drama Pageant Group Qormi San Sebastjan Radio Hompesch 90FM Marathon -In Aid of buying a Van for the poor children in Peru. COFFEE MORNING – FUND RASING IN AID OF BUYING THE VAN
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NEEDED FOR THE POOR CHILDREN AND OLD PEOPLE IN PERU.
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MARITIME DAY- 15th May 2014 Artisans Work Exhibited along Marsaskala Promenade Fund Raising for the children in Peru from Birzebbuga Scout Group 200th Anniversary of the Foundation of the Malta Police Force Vocal and Instrumental Concert from St Anne’s Band in Marsaskala-17th July 2014 BBQ – Fund Raising for the mission in Arequipa, Peru Pasta & Tombla Night – Fund Raising Activity in Aid of the poor of the poor in Arequipa, Peru Iljieli Skalin-400 years since the Grandmaster Alof de Wignacourt built, St Thomas Tower 1614 – 2014 Crib Exhibition - 6th & 7th December 2014 Christmas Concert 2014~ Marsaskala
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Party for the less fortunate children On the 4th of January a small party was organised by the Cultural Committee within the Local Council for the children in poor families living in Marsaskala and the children in St Joseph Institute in Zabbar. Around 30 children attended and enjoyed themselves singing, drawing and playing games. A book was given to every child by Father Christmas. While we try to teach our children all about life, Our children teach us what life is all about. ~Angela Schwindt
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Elderly - Marsaskala Local Council 11th January 2014 Lunch for the Elderly today has been organized with the help of the Mayor Mario Calleja and Cultural Committee (co –ordinator Mr Alfred Debono), within the Marsaskala Local Council. The main purpose was to show the elderly our appreciation, at least once a year, for all the hard work they did for our country in the past. Around 120 elderly people from the age of 75, living alone or in elderly homes were invited for this lunch. They were entertained by the Police band whilst eating and playing bingo. A hundred Euro cheque was also presented by the HSBC Branch Manager Ms Graziella Grech as a donation for PERU October 2014 fund. Our heartfelt thanks go to all the organizers and volunteers who cooked the delicious meal, laid out the tables and helped all throughout the event.
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Programme of the Performance Presented by
Zhangjiajie Artistic Troupe 20th January 2014
On 20th January in Marsaskala, a performance programme was presented by the Chinese Artistic Troupe Zhangjiajie. The one and half hour programme was full of dance and acrobatics with marvellous bright costumes and professional dancers. The dances presented were: 1. Dance: Maogusi 2. Italian folk song O sole mio
3. Dance: Girls Gathering Day 4. Dance: Chasing Love 5. Acrobatics: Masang Tree 6. Dance: Love in the Scenery of Zhangjiajie 7. Dance: Crying for Marriage 8. Dance: HELONG Banquet
Around 170 persons attended the show amongst them foreigners, people from Marsaskala and the latter from other localities in Malta. Our profound thanks goes to the group who gave one of the best performances since these groups visited our country, the Marsaskala Mayor, Mr Mario Calleja and the Cultural team within the Marsaskala Local Council with Mr Alfred Debono as co-ordinator. Our thanks go also to the audience who supports us on every event being organised by the Marsaskala Local Council. 9|Page
Tal-Maghluq Cleanup – 22nd February 2014 A cleanup of Tal-Maghluq area infront of the Suncity cinema in Marsaskala has been organised. It was organised by Nature Trust in collaboration with the Marsaskala Local Council and HSBC. Garbage bags and gloves were also given by Ozosystems. Friends of Marsaskala and other volunteers also collaborated in this cleanup. 500kilos of garbage was collected from the surroundings. An injured duck was also rescued and taken by the Animal welfare for treatment. Thank you all!
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Pasta Night for the Mission in Peru On the 22nd March Pasta was organized for the Missionary in Peru. Around 200 people attended for the Pasta night which everybody enjoyed. As entertainment we had 2 Peruvian musicians who played fantastic music during the evening. Heartfelt thanks go to everyone who attended all helpers and sponsors who made our evening memorable.
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SALTNATU - Drama Pageant Group Qormi San Sebastjan On the 10th April, Marsaskala Local Council presented a Good Friday Pageant raised by Qormi Pageant Group. The very good actors took us away in the Holy Land and reminded us of the story of life of Jesus Christ who died for us on the cross.
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Our thanks go to everyone who came to see this beautiful presentation, all actors as well the co-ordinator Mr Alfred Debono together with Mr Joe Magri, the Mayor, Mario Calleja and all the cultural Committee.
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Radio Hompesch 90FM Marathon In Aid of buying a Van for the poor children in Peru. On the 4th May a fund raising radio marathon has been organised. This was organised in Radju Hompesch 90FM in collaboration with the Marsaskala Local Council and the Cultural committee in aid of buying a Van for the poor children in Peru. Various programmes were done live during the day with presenters’ encouraging the listeners to donate money by SMS’s or by phone for this good cause. During one of the programmes, a phone call was received by Fr Giovanni Cefai, the missioner in Arequipa Peru, thanking all the contributors and explaining what needed to be done in this poor village and why the Van is needed. Heartfelt thanks goes to Mr Gordon Caruana and his wife, the Director of Radju Hompesch 90FM, who gave us the opportunity to set up this marathon in his studios in Zabbar. The sum collected was of ₏550.00 from Radio listeners and others coming to the studios with their donations.
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COFFEE MORNING – FUND RASING IN AID OF BUYING THE VAN NEEDED FOR THE POOR CHILDREN AND OLD PEOPLE IN PERU. After the Radio Marathon, on the 6th May, a Coffee morning was organised in aid of buying the Van needed for the poor children and old people in Peru. The aim for these fund raising events is also for giving these people their daily bread and good education. The Mayor, Mr Mario Calleja, together with the group going for this Mission and helpers, wished to thank everyone who attended this event where more than 200 people were present.
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MARITIME DAY- 15th May 2014 For the occasion of Maritime day of this year, the Cultural Committee within the Marsaskala Local Council, organised a visit in the Inquisitors Palace and the Maritime Museum in Birgu. We were a nice group of 30 people visiting both places. We were given some history of both places by the Tour guides of Heritage Malta which made our visit very informing and very interesting.
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For the same occasion, the Cultural Committee within Marsaskala Local Council organised as well an Exhibition related to Maritime Day. Old fishing tools were displayed and even the Marsaskala Primary School took part by doing some models, paintings and other coloured creations associated with the sea, like boats, fish and fishing nets etc‌ Various materials were used like paper, pasta, clay, pegs, wood and others.
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Artisans Work Exhibited along Marsaskala Promenade
The first summer activity of 2014 was the Artisans work Exhibited along the Marsaskala Promenade between 28 and 29th June which is also known as an annual activity by now! There were around 40 exhibitors presenting their talents and working on the spot as well. Amongst them were filigree items, Maltese lace, arts, clay, wooden work, jewels and many other handmade pieces.
There was also a stand with children face painting and children hands on painting under professional supervision. A small group from St Vincent de Paule elderly home were also invited to contribute in this activity by working on handmade items on the spot.
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Apart from the Maltese Artisans we had also the pleasure to see some Chinese arts. A Chinese village was set up. In this small village we could find a stand with some information on Traditional Chinese Medicine and others on Chinese artisan. We had also some shows of Martial Arts. You could also smell Chinese food cooked from another stand in the same village. On Sunday morning, at around 10.00am in Dun Tarcis Agius Square, we had a show from a group of around 40, shiny and stunning, Harley Davidson motorcycles, which were given a memento for taking part in this 2 day activity.
Between 28 and 29 June you could see all Maltese talents, old and new, along the promenade in our picturesque village of Marsaskala whilst enjoying also the fresh sea breeze and maybe also drinking and eating fresh food at the same time. Heartfelt thanks should go to all the public, Maltese and foreigners, who were present on these2 days. Our appreciation goes also to the Marsaskala Local Council Cultural Committee team together with the Mayor and some of the Councillors. Our thanks go also to the Ministry of Tourism and Parliament Secretary of the Local Government.
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Fund Raising for the children in Peru from Birzebbuga Scout Group Pretty Bay -Birzebbuga On 5th July 2014, an event was organised by Ms Grace Debono and Ms Christine Cutajar together with Birzebbuga Scout Group and also in collaboration with Birzebbuga Local Council. The Scout Group teamed up and organised games on the sand and also in the sea to do this fund raising event where the amount of € 150 where collected to be sent to the underprivileged children in the poor village of La Tomilla in Arequipa in Peru. On behalf of the Committee ’Fondi Peru
2014’ , the Mayor Mario Calleja and myself (Elizabeth Cassar) wish to heart fully thank the organisers, Birzebbuga Local Council and the marvellous team of Birzebbuga Scout Group who worked from their hearts as a team.
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On behalf of the children in La Tomilla:
“It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” – Mother Theresa
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200th Anniversary of the Foundation of the Malta Police Force As part of the celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the Foundation of the Malta Police Force, the precision drill team and the police band took part in an activity in Dun Tarcis Agius Square, Marsaskala. The band marched along Triq ix-Xatt, Marsaskala and then presented a musical programme. Policemen mounted also an exhibition with their dogs.
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Vocal and Instrumental Concert from St Anne’s Band in Marsaskala-17th July 2014
A Vocal and Instrumental concert, directed by Maestro Ugo Buhagiar, was set up in Dun Tarcis Agius Square on the 20th Anniversary from the
establishment of the Society of St Anne’s Band in Marsaskala. The concert was set up in collaboration with the Marsaskala Local Council. On behalf of the Local Council, the Mayor gave a memento to the President of the Society, Mr Kevin Bonello, together with a new instrument to encourage more students to learn music within the Society. It was really a great concert mixed with classical music together with the modern ones which I am certain that every single person from the audience enjoyed.
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BBQ – Fund Raising for the mission in Arequipa, Peru in October 2014
During the sunset of 19th July 2014, a BBQ was organised in Dun Tarcis Agius Square in Marsaskala. This was in aid of buying a van for the poor children in Arequipa, Peru. Around 200 people attended this BBQ where while eating some delicious food, they could also enjoy some background Peruvian music and modern ones. Heartfelt thanks from Team Peru goes to all helpers and benefactors and the numerous people who attended so this event could be another success. “Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.” ― Booker T. Washington
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Pasta & Tombla Night – Fund Raising Activity in Aid of the poor of the poor in Arequipa, Peru 29th August 2014 Another GREAT SUCCESS. Thank you ...thank you ...thank you for your co-operation and contribution! Dear friends we wish to thank you for such an attendance in Pjazza Dun Tarcis Agius and co-operation in doing fund raising with such a noble intention. We all ate together, played Tombola together, laughed together, whilst hearing lovely Peruvian melodies. All this means a smile in a poor child who is hungry, some rest in a mother’s mind who does not have anything to give to her child and some cure for the sick. I am sure that our brothers and sisters in Arequipa will pray all for you, YOU who have attended this event in more than 200 persons. ‘Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will
repay him for his deed.’ – Proverb 19:17
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Iljieli Skalin 400 years since the Grandmaster Alof de Wignacourt built St Thomas Tower 1614 - 2014
Between the 6th and 7th of September Marsaskala Local Council in collaboration with Gal Xlokk Project commemorated the 400th years of St Thomas Tower building where Grand Master de Wignacourt built one of the set of five towers in Malta, in one of the large bays where was in high risk that troops land.
The memorable evening started with the opening of an exhibition inside the Tower until sunset where at around 08.00pm the Tower was closed, flares were lighten up around the Tower. You could see re-enactors going around the Tower dressed in costumes of the Knights era, French and even British era.
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Some re-enactors were seen also mounted on horses going around this beautiful Tower. Such lovely scenery! Around 700 people, Maltese and foreigners, were ready seated to see the very well prepared pageant that took us way back through the history until this majestic Tower was built in 1614 and how it served until today in 2014. The evening closed with the Mayor giving the memento for Marsaskala Day. This year it was given to the Marsaskala Sports Club as they honoured us by being promoted to 1st division and Champions of 2014.
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On 7th September Sunday morning, Marsaskala Day started by the thanks giving mass in St Anne’s Parish Church given by the Chaplain. After we had the pets blessings were you could see dogs, cats and other type of animals together with many horses ready to be blessed by the Chaplain.
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Crib Exhibition 6th & 7th December 2014 Between the 6th and 7th December 2014, a Crib Exhibition was set up by the Cultural Committee within the Marsaskala Local Council in San Gwakkin Hall in Marsaskala. Different original cribs were exhibited with the major part from the St Thomas More College Marsaskala Primary. In November a person from the NGO ‘Ghaqda hbieb tal-Presepju’ visited the school to show the students how to build a crib, and the result was that we had 26 cribs attractively made by the children. These cribs were created from the most unthinkable recycled things we use daily such as recycled paper, knitting, boxes, jablo, eggshells etc…… We had also exhibited other beautifully made large cribs from the same NGO ‘Ghaqda Hbieb talPresepju’ and other residents in Marsaskala whom we really show our appreciation for taking part in this successful Exhibition. The Exhibition was visited by the Hon. Minister Owen Bonnici, Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government and by many residents in Marsaskala, the students’ parents and the students themselves.
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I wish to thank also all participants, the Cultural Committee Team with the co-ordinators Mr Alfred Debono and Mr Joe Magri within the Marsaskala Local Council, the Clergy and last but not least the Mayor, Mario Calleja, for this successful event and for their support. Whilst wishing you all a Prosperous Festive Season with all the Blessings, I really hope to see you all again for the Christmas Concert set up on the 19th December at 7.15 pm, venue –Marsaskala Parish Church.
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Christmas Concert 2014~ Marsaskala
On Friday 19th December 2014, a Christmas Concert in Marsaskala Parish Church was organised in collaboration with the Cultural Committee within Marsaskala Local Council, led by the co-ordinators Mr Alfred Debono and Mr Joe Magri together with the Mayor Mario Calleja and in collaboration also with the Parish Priest and clergy. During the concert, Christmas Carols, were caroled by Choir Ulied Sant Anna accompanied by the musicians: Charlo Xuereb, David Attard , Joe Chetcuti, Edward Calamatta, Paul Caruana & Joe Vella. We had also a very promising young performer, Ms. Thea Aquilina, singer from Hal-Safi with her unique voice singing beautiful Christmas Carols. Choir St Anne’s Parish Church, Choir Laverne & Russian Boarding School Choir, Parish Guitar Group also gave their magnificent
performance with their Christmas songs. The Gran Finale from all participants was a ‘Silent Night for All the World’. The Mayor, Mr Mario Calleja and the Parish Priest Fr Walter Cauchi also gave their messages for Christmas and the New Year 2015. 33 | P a g e
Certificates were given to all the young participants who took part in the Crib Exhibition held between 6th and 7th December and prizes to those who won the best 6 original cribs. The Hon. Minister Owen Bonnici, Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government and the Russian ambassador were also present for the concert. The concert’s aim was for the Community chest fund.
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